It is still too early to tell how last year’s Christmas season went for retailers as we await the finalized data to flow in but the run-up suggests we need a last minute surge to make it over the top.
November’s figures have just come out showing a small increase nationally but a small decline in Saskatchewan. We were one of four provinces to post a pull-back in November – down a half point for the month and the year.
As we watch the turmoil in the retail sector – big players and small falling or pulling out of markets – it is difficult to predict where this is all headed. When big companies such as Sears and Pier 1 either close or downsize significantly and smaller ones such as Carlton Cards call it a day, the face of retail is changing very rapidly.
Nonetheless, it is far from dead as we see other brands grab the space left vacant by the departures or major renovations suggesting those who know the industry best – those already in it – are reinvesting in it.
Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200124/t001a-eng.htm
